NATIONAL BOARD

The National Board of the Cancer Society of New Zealand comprises six Divisional representatives and a National President.

The National Board meets usually five times a year and relies on advice from the National Advisory Committees and the National Office to carry out its role. The National Board is supported by a number of National Advisory Committees including:

NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES

The National Board of the Cancer Society receives advice and expertise from a number of standing committees to guide its deliberations on establishing funding priorities for programmes and scientific research, developing strategy and policy, research funding, and developing the strategic direction of the organisation.  The current Standing Committees are:

• National Executives Committee
• National Health Promotion Committee
• National Volunteer Information and Support Services Advisory Committee
• National Scientific Advisory Committee
• National Finance Advisory Committee
• National Events Advisory Committee

National Executives Committee
The Chief Executives Committee (NEC) is comprised of the Chief Executives from the six Divisions and the National Office of the Cancer Society.  The role of NEC is to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the Society’s work through maximising the potential of divisional co-operation, collaboration and resources, providing a pool of management, and enhancing the responsiveness of the Society to newly emerging and changing needs.
 
The National Health Promotion Committee
The National Health Promotion Committee (NHPC) members have expertise in the areas of health promotion, social and behavioural research, cancer epidemiology, cancer screening and early detection, cancer treatment, primary health, public health, Maori health and nutrition.  One of the responsibilities of the NHPC is to identify priorities for Cancer Society health promotion, through the preparation and revision of the National Strategic Plan for health promotion.
 

The National Volunteer Information and Support Services Advisory Committee
The National Volunteer Information and Support Services Advisory Committee (NVISAC) members have expertise in the areas of cancer support services, psychosocial services, behavioural research, volunteer services and cancer information.  The Committee has a dual role.  It advises the National Board of the Cancer Society on the ongoing development of support services to meet the needs of people affected by cancer and it advises on the ongoing development of volunteer services to meet the needs of the Society and volunteer workforce.
 
The National Scientific Advisory Committee
The National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) conducts an annual research grant application round, whereby it assesses cancer research applications and determines where Cancer Society research funding is applied.  NSAC advises the National Board on research policy including: likely developments in cancer research, the setting of research priorities, research budgetary allocations and the promotion of careers in cancer research.
 
The National Finance Advisory Committee
The National Finance Advisory Committee (NFAC) provides advice on annual budgets, future financial projections, effectiveness of the investment strategy, in developing financial policies and assisting in setting financial priorities. 
 
The National Events Advisory Committee
The National Events Advisory Committee (NEAC) coordinates major national fundraising events of the Cancer Society in the Divisions.   Current national events are Daffodil Day and Relay for Life. 
 
Working Groups
In addition to the ongoing standing committees, the Society may convene ad hoc working groups where additional expertise is required in a specific area of work.  Examples of this include the Vitamin D Expert Advisory Group, and the Early Detection Advisory Group.